Central SA
Free State to probe quarter billion for road project─── LUCKY NKUYANE 13:20 Tue, 19 Sep 2023
The Free State Department has threatened to investigate any possibilities that could lead to a service provider not completing the work.
The Free State Department of Roads and Transport has finally broken its silence amidst serious allegations of fruitless expenditure regarding the quarter of a billion spent on the decaying R76 road between Kroonstad and Steynsrus.
It’s threatened to investigate any possibilities that could lead to a service provider not completing work.
Spokesperson Hillary Mophete said a service provider was appointed at least six years ago and claimed well over R300 million from the road maintenance project. The project was meant to be completed in two phases.
The R76 between Kroonstad and Steynsrus has a decaying road surface while party of it remains a gravel road. Picture: Screengrab
Free State FF Plus MPL Armand Cloete accused the department of wasting taxpayers’ money and has requested the department to clarify whether they regard the project as complete or not. He’s reported the department to the Special Investigating Unit.
In answer to questions in the legislature, the department confirmed R300 million was budgeted for the project. The road between Kroonstad and Steynsrus also links North West and KwaZulu-Natal for agricultural trade.
It seems to have been partially maintained with a decaying road surface whilst the other part remains a gravel road. The project was set to be completed in September 2022, but the deadline was moved to June this year. Months later, the maintenance construction is yet to be completed.
